Smith marks 50 with win

Inglewood Roosters player cops a grassing tackle from one of the young Gremlins in Saturday's season opener at Sullivan Oval.
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What a weekend in the sporting spotlight. The NRL Representative round showcased the superior talent of the Kangaroos on Friday night. Cameron Smith cemented himself as one of the icons of the modern game as he notched up game number 50 in the Kangaroos’ jersey and another win as captain. Maroons and Cowboys fans had plenty to be concerned about as news of a shoulder injury to JT surfaced. Dragons and Blues fans are sweating on the health of Josh Dugan.
The Pacific nations treated fans to style of expansive and exciting rugby league that we rarely see week to week in the NRL. The Poms notched up a win over Samoa but they too have plenty of work to do between now and the World Cup.
On Sunday the curtain came down on the annual NSW City Country game. City got the better of their Country cousins in the final game in an enthralling clash.
AFL fans could do little other than watch a round of monumental upsets unfold.
The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the A League Grand Final. Sydney FC capped off their stellar season with a nail-biting Championship win over a brave Melbourne Victory.
The weekend games across all codes highlighted everything good in sport. Then came the news of multiple drug-related incidents allegedly involving NRL players and also an NRL Club CEO.
These latest alleged indiscretions have come at a high price for those involved and rightly so. NRL fans have again been left with a sour taste in the mouth but spare a thought for Todd Greenberg and those running rugby league. They are desperate to improve the game’s image. There are no easy answers or quick fixes to these problems. Unfortunately for them it is, as the saying goes, impossible to legislate against stupidity. Seems some have not only talent but that quality, stupidity in spades.
– Casey
Footnote
Due to space constraints Spin this week has been condensed- back to normal next edition.

PURCELL IN HOT FORM
The Wallangarra Golf Club May Monthly Medal was decided last weekend. Winner of the event sponsored by the Wall Garra Railway Cafe was Jamie Purcell who finished with a winning score of nett 65. Runner-up was Andrew Thompson. Since the demotion of John Green the pin placements seem far more player friendly, and there were some handy scores across the board. Purcell also wrapped a big day by winning the Putting competition also with 24 putts. This weekend a single stableford has been scheduled.
BUSY WEEK FOR MALLET PLAYERS
Association croquet players welcomed Pat Schnoor back to their ranks this week. Sharyn Roser who plays each of the other croquet disciplines dropped in to try her hand. Grace Howard and Joy Newman won their game against Heather Widderick and Val Fancourt. While newcomer Sharyn Roser played in a 21-all draw in her first try at the new discipline.
Stand put performer this week was Bev Sullivan, scoring a total of 17 hoops over two games, with 11 of them coming in the second game. It was a day when all players were in good form and scored well, making games close.
The gateball crew were busy on both Friday and Saturday. On Friday, the White team of Val Fancourt, Grace Howard, Joy Newman, and Bill Golding, with Margaret Dickenson captaining the side played strongly winning the first two games 13-7 and 12-11.
Game three finished nine a tie and a shoot-out determined the winner. Another win to White (5-4) thanks to some accurate shots from Bill Golding and Andrea Denkewitz.
On Saturday, Andrea Denkewitz and Val Fancourt, (Red Team) went head to head with Sharyn Roser and Bill Golding. Red narrowly won the first two games. Val Fancourt scored an “Agari” to claim the winning point in the second game. Game three went to White 14-7. Bill Golding was the most consistent player on the day while Sharyn Roser scored a fine “bomb” (hitting two balls out with one shot) in the second game.
BACK IN ACTION
Sporters were back in action last week and honours went to Max Jones ahead of runner-up Nikki Waterworth. Run-downs went to Aaron Simmers and Paul Armstrong who also had the best gross. The pin shots and the pro pin all went a begging. Meat tray winners were Mark Lynam and Phil Zikan. Tee off on this Sunday is from 8am-8.30am.
TANSY DOMINATES
Tansy Polocrosse Club dominated the Clifton Polo carnival. Tansey teams were both winners and runners-up in the A Grade. Tansey 1 rider Grant Carrol won best A Grade Horse and Rider.
The Tansey teams scooped the pool with wins in A, B, C, E and G grade games.
Cunningham 2 defeated Cunningham 3 in D Grade and Stanley River defeated Toowoomba in F Grade bucking Tansey trend.
In the junior competition, Cunningham defeated Gold Coast. Cunningham rider Ashleigh Sticklen won Best Junior horse and rider.
JUNIOR SHOWS THE WAY
Junior Golfer Billy Webb showed the way on Saturday in the battle for the Stanthorpe Monthly Medal. The win capped off a good week for the junior who earlier was selected in his age group for Darling Downs Schoolboys Golf. He also won a share in the club’s raffle for some golf equipment. Grant Howard had the best gross of the round and finished runner-up with nett 67. Sean O’Reilly had the best putting performance – 27 for the round.
Lyn Ludlow won the Ladies event scoring nett 75. Daughter Rachael Hendry made it a family affair claiming the runners-up spot one shot in arrears. Hendry scored the best gross of the round. Neta Thouard putted well to claim the award for the best putting performance.
There is no clear favourite in the club championship after the completion of round one. Leaders are Grant Howard “A” Grade; Bill Pyne “B” Grade; Bob Watts “C” Grade.
The second round will be held this Saturday when Bob Watts sponsors a stroke event. Self-selected fours again this week in round two however a seeded draw will be in place next round. Tee off is from 11am and there is a time sheet at the club.
BRL UNDERWAY
After weeks of uncertainty the BRL 2017 competition kicked off on Saturday with games in Killarney and Stanthorpe.
At Charlie Andrews Oval, Killarney opened the season with a 22-14 win over Tenterfield and confirmed predictions that they will be serious contenders in 2017.
In Stanthorpe, a young Gremlins side took on the reigning premiers Inglewood. It was the first outing in A Grade for a number of the Gremlins. Newly appointed Gremlins coach Gary Skimmings was impressed with the effort of his young players who despite a mounting score line against them played with a “never say die” attitude.
As expected, the Roosters outclassed the Gremlins – the score blowing out to 58-4. Corey Rashleigh was the Gremlins lone try scorer. Gremlins supporters will see improvement in the side as their fitness levels improve and should continue to support these young players who should be applauded for “having a go”.
This week the Gremlins travel to Tenterfield while Inglewood host Killarney in what looks to be a tough game.
VALLEYS TOO HOT FOR WATTLES
Wattles came up against a red hot Valleys side at Herb Steinhort Oval last Sunday in round six of the TRL. Valleys were strong in the first half of the game and held a 20-8 lead at half time. Wattles showed plenty of spirit in the game and began the second half strongly with a try to Michael Pearson taking the scores to 20-14.
Valleys always looked to have the Warriors measure and quickly moved the score to 34-14. Wattles fought back in the last 15 minutes putting on two tries. Braydon Wilson crossed for his third and James Johnson scored out wide taking the final score to 34-24.
Valleys remain one of three undefeated TRL sides while at Wattles the injury list is growing.
Karl Marsh and Brendan Wilson sustained injuries during the game. Valleys won Reserve Grade 22-12 and under-18s 50-16.
This week Wattles host Brothers on Saturday night.
COWBOYS SEARCHING FOR CONSISTENCY
The Cowboys will be looking to find their best form this weekend when they host the Gatton Hawks after a disappointing loss to Highfields last weekend. It has been a season of ups and downs for the Cowboys. Their coach Craig Mullaly has not lost faith in his side but admits they must find some consistency before their season slips away.
In last weekend’s game, Warwick held the Eagles scoreless for 21 minutes before the floodgates opened. Brodie Quirk was the lone scorer for the Cowboys in the 34-4 loss.
The Reserve Grade side also suffered a 32-24 defeat but the news was better for the under-18s who won 32-12. Back to Fr Ranger Oval on Sunday the Cowboys main game kicks off at 2.30pm.

CASEY’S NRL TIPS ROUND 10
Bulldogs; Sharks; Rabbitohs; Panthers; Storm; Broncos; Raiders; Roosters